So today I'm looking at the comics. Not reading them, looking at them. At the twenty-year-old longboxes on the back porch. At the stack of shortboxes behind the chair I'm sitting in right now. At the several stacks of comics still in the boxes they came in because not everyone has read them yet. At the wire basket with the last month's selections.
And it occurs to me.
Maybe I reacted too quickly about the digital comic thing.
Oh, I wouldn't be interested in it the way Marvel has it set up now. Not unless I had more money to spare than I do.
But a digital subscription option to the comics I get anyway? That, I think I'm at the point of almost considering.
And then I would buy them as trades when they came out. Which are far, far easier to find storage space for. (And far, far easier to sort. :))
Just think, comic companies: I'd be buying your comics not once but twice! (Something I do now only with Captain America.) Can that be a bad thing?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Spoilers ahoy for a comic I haven't read yet (the latest Captain America).
I suppose this is a weird thing to be annoyed about, but here it is.
First of all, the disclaimer, which is that I won't be getting this month's comics until, probably, next week. That means that I haven't actually seen the latest Captain America in its entirety--just bits of it that I've seen because I cannot resist spoilers. I will be reading it, just not soon enough that this discussion would be at all timely.
So in this issue, Black Widow is looking for information from an old acquaintance. When he puts his hand on her knee and suggests that she do him a little favor in return, the implication being that they have had a history of this, she says that she's "involved...off the market." So, although there's certainly no reason that she should take part in this sort of exchange if she doesn't want to, the reason she gives indicates that she considers her relationship with Bucky/Cap to be exclusive, which generally means that it's romantic.
Contrast this to Bucky/Cap's own comments recently, where he refers to Natasha as his "best friend." The implication there is that he likes her, but doesn't think of her as a girlfriend in a romantic sense.
On the one hand, this irritates me because it just seems wrong for Natasha. Not that she doesn't have a history of having important loves in her life (heck, she basically defected from her home country because of Clint Barton), but they've always been relationships where both parties felt the same way. (I'm assuming this was true with regard to her relationship with Daredevil, since I know almost nothing about that one.) It just seems that if any one of the two were going to be "not that into" the other, it'd be her.
On the other hand, it would also make sense that Bucky/Cap isn't in any emotional state to connect in that way with another person at this point--still too damaged. Would Natasha recognize this? Don't know. She seems pretty canny in general, but even 80-year-old superspies can fool themselves when it comes to matters of the heart.
First of all, the disclaimer, which is that I won't be getting this month's comics until, probably, next week. That means that I haven't actually seen the latest Captain America in its entirety--just bits of it that I've seen because I cannot resist spoilers. I will be reading it, just not soon enough that this discussion would be at all timely.
So in this issue, Black Widow is looking for information from an old acquaintance. When he puts his hand on her knee and suggests that she do him a little favor in return, the implication being that they have had a history of this, she says that she's "involved...off the market." So, although there's certainly no reason that she should take part in this sort of exchange if she doesn't want to, the reason she gives indicates that she considers her relationship with Bucky/Cap to be exclusive, which generally means that it's romantic.
Contrast this to Bucky/Cap's own comments recently, where he refers to Natasha as his "best friend." The implication there is that he likes her, but doesn't think of her as a girlfriend in a romantic sense.
On the one hand, this irritates me because it just seems wrong for Natasha. Not that she doesn't have a history of having important loves in her life (heck, she basically defected from her home country because of Clint Barton), but they've always been relationships where both parties felt the same way. (I'm assuming this was true with regard to her relationship with Daredevil, since I know almost nothing about that one.) It just seems that if any one of the two were going to be "not that into" the other, it'd be her.
On the other hand, it would also make sense that Bucky/Cap isn't in any emotional state to connect in that way with another person at this point--still too damaged. Would Natasha recognize this? Don't know. She seems pretty canny in general, but even 80-year-old superspies can fool themselves when it comes to matters of the heart.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thoughts after not enough sleep.
In most contexts, if you say you "spoiled yourself," it means that you bought yourself some sort of a treat, perhaps a Godiva truffle or a new pair of cashmere socks.
As a comic fan, I'm not sure whether "spoiling myself" is basically the same thing or its exact opposite.
As a comic fan, I'm not sure whether "spoiling myself" is basically the same thing or its exact opposite.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
DC Universe Classics Starfire and Adam Strange Action Figures
This is one we've been waiting for; there was no way that we wouldn't be getting Starfire when she became available, and Adam Strange basically came along for the ride. Nothing against Adam, but I've never been a particular fan and I wouldn't have gotten him if he hadn't been part of a set.
So, as for Adam--he's a decent-looking figure. As far as I can tell he's accurate to his design, although since I don't know all that much about him I can't be sure. The yellow is a little glaring and the red is a little more orangey than I'd have expected given images I've seen of him, but it's nothing too distracting. He wears a white harness with jet-pack and holster, which doesn't come off. (He also comes with a handgun, which he can hold or keep in said holster.)
He's as playable as most of the figures in this line, which is to say very much so. He has all of the jointing we've come to expect from these figures (head, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, bid-thigh and mid-bicep and mid-chest, etc.) He stands pretty well, and sits nicely if you want him to.
Now, Starfire I have more solid opinions on. I always liked her in the old New Teen Titans. She's playable, has the usual jointing for this line, and is very, very posable. She doesn't stand very well, which is too bad but not unusual for a female figure (although this isn't inevitable--Marvel Legends Psylocke is one of the most stable figures I've seen). I'd call her a good toy in the sense that you can do a lot with her.
As for how she looks...well, that's a mixed bag. The costume looks about right, and (to quote the fourteen-year-old) "she's not wearing a thong!" The face is decent, and the hair looks fantastic and really doesn't limit head motion much at all considering how long it is--well done, there. However.
Starfire, if you'll recall, is a tall, curvaceous and muscular. This figure is not. The bust is quite modest, which wouldn't ordinarily be a complain except that it's Starfire. She's thin. Her shoulders are narrow. Her arms are not muscular in the least. And all that is just wrong.
Although I do like the DC Universe Classics figures on the whole, I've often been disappointed with the female figures. The first one we got was Batgirl (Cassandra Cain). The Batgirl figure is quite petite--narrow shoulders, small bust, rather frail in appearance. That actually works for Batgirl, who is a teenage girl.
Unfortunately, that body mold seems to be the standard one for female figures in this line. Harley Quinn has the same figure. Wonder Woman doesn't, thank goodness. But Starfire does, which is ridiculous. Why is it that the default body for these superheroine figures is such a puny one?
So, as for Adam--he's a decent-looking figure. As far as I can tell he's accurate to his design, although since I don't know all that much about him I can't be sure. The yellow is a little glaring and the red is a little more orangey than I'd have expected given images I've seen of him, but it's nothing too distracting. He wears a white harness with jet-pack and holster, which doesn't come off. (He also comes with a handgun, which he can hold or keep in said holster.)
He's as playable as most of the figures in this line, which is to say very much so. He has all of the jointing we've come to expect from these figures (head, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, bid-thigh and mid-bicep and mid-chest, etc.) He stands pretty well, and sits nicely if you want him to.
Now, Starfire I have more solid opinions on. I always liked her in the old New Teen Titans. She's playable, has the usual jointing for this line, and is very, very posable. She doesn't stand very well, which is too bad but not unusual for a female figure (although this isn't inevitable--Marvel Legends Psylocke is one of the most stable figures I've seen). I'd call her a good toy in the sense that you can do a lot with her.
As for how she looks...well, that's a mixed bag. The costume looks about right, and (to quote the fourteen-year-old) "she's not wearing a thong!" The face is decent, and the hair looks fantastic and really doesn't limit head motion much at all considering how long it is--well done, there. However.
Starfire, if you'll recall, is a tall, curvaceous and muscular. This figure is not. The bust is quite modest, which wouldn't ordinarily be a complain except that it's Starfire. She's thin. Her shoulders are narrow. Her arms are not muscular in the least. And all that is just wrong.
Although I do like the DC Universe Classics figures on the whole, I've often been disappointed with the female figures. The first one we got was Batgirl (Cassandra Cain). The Batgirl figure is quite petite--narrow shoulders, small bust, rather frail in appearance. That actually works for Batgirl, who is a teenage girl.
Unfortunately, that body mold seems to be the standard one for female figures in this line. Harley Quinn has the same figure. Wonder Woman doesn't, thank goodness. But Starfire does, which is ridiculous. Why is it that the default body for these superheroine figures is such a puny one?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Why can't they ever make the figures that I want?
So I was browsing the DC Direct site, looking at the pretty pictures of the upcoming Justice League International line, and noticed this in the description of one of the Series 2 figures:
I am assuming that the words "round out" mean that these two waves are it for this line.
And here I'd been really hoping for a JLI Elongated Man and Sue Dibny. Darn it.
...these four characters round out the original incarnation of the Justice League International!
I am assuming that the words "round out" mean that these two waves are it for this line.
And here I'd been really hoping for a JLI Elongated Man and Sue Dibny. Darn it.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Coals to Newcastle
The other day my brother passed on a chunk of his comic collection to us. He's not giving up comics, but he's moving to where he has less space to store them (and, I suppose, taking the moving opportunity to declutter a bit). The kids, of course, are delighted. And it's not as if I'm going to turn down comic books.
However, since my brother has been reading and collecting comics for nearly as long as I have, including those ten years when I'd given up on it, this greatly increases the number of comics we've got around. I don't think it doubles the total, but it's not far from that.
So I probably need to rethink the comic storage thing around here. Do I want to get more shortboxes? That's what I use now. Or should I get longboxes because there's just so much of it? Do I want to do a lot of sorting right now? (Well, that one's easy to answer--no, I do not!)
We're moving things around in the house anyway, and I had been planning on a specific place to keep all the comics, but now I need to figure out whether there'll be enough room there for everything.
It's almost-but-not-quite enough to get me to switch to trades altogether.
However, since my brother has been reading and collecting comics for nearly as long as I have, including those ten years when I'd given up on it, this greatly increases the number of comics we've got around. I don't think it doubles the total, but it's not far from that.
So I probably need to rethink the comic storage thing around here. Do I want to get more shortboxes? That's what I use now. Or should I get longboxes because there's just so much of it? Do I want to do a lot of sorting right now? (Well, that one's easy to answer--no, I do not!)
We're moving things around in the house anyway, and I had been planning on a specific place to keep all the comics, but now I need to figure out whether there'll be enough room there for everything.
It's almost-but-not-quite enough to get me to switch to trades altogether.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Finally!
Apparently they are going to be making a John Stewart Green Lantern action figure, in the modern costume with the modern hair, later this year.
It is a given that he will make his way to our house.
It is a given that he will make his way to our house.
Friday, January 23, 2009
What I Want: The April 09 Marvel Solicitations
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #591
The gloves are off! The MASK is off! And for Spidey and the Torch? It's on! One of the deepest friendships in the Marvel U. is about to take a sudden turn...
Plus, life kicks into high gear for practically EVERY member of the supporting cast! Big changes, big surprises, and, like we promised: an event so HUGE, it's going to be felt in almost every Marvel title! This one's a gamechanger, Marvellites! Miss it and you'll miss out!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590
An adventure from Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four's past is about to have a profound effect on their future...That's if Spidey and the Torch can stop fighting long enough to notice! What's the cosmic-level rift that's dividing two of the Marvel U.'s best friends? Plus, a dark turn for Harry Osborn. A new role for Mr. Negative. And the start of a story that's going to effect almost every title at Marvel Comics! We kid you not!!!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592
In the aftermath of Spidey’s Fantastic Four voyage, his whole world is turned upside down by the new rules of the world. The good news is that after all these years, Spider-Man finally gets the upper hand on J. Jonah Jameson--but it's gonna cost him, particularly with the all-new Vulture winging into town! Plus--Peter drops by Aunt May's house for the shock of his life! Set your faces to stun!
The fourteen-year-old still likes it, so we still get it.
NEW AVENGERS #52
Who is the new Sorcerer Supreme? The entire Marvel Universe hangs in the balance as the Avengers race to help the fallen Doctor Strange battle the forces of the Dark Dimension as they make their earthly power play.
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #23
This is it...the explosive issue that changes everything! From the moment it was formed, the Initiative has had more than its share of dark secrets. Now, they've all come out. On top of everything else, can the Initiative survive this? Well, the title of this story is THE INITIATIVE: DISASSEMBLED...
MIGHTY AVENGERS #24
"CHASING GHOSTS"
The SCARLET WITCH is back and her brother wants answers! Join QUICKSILVER as he races around the globe, hunting down the MIGHTY AVENGERS! Plus, what's HANK PYM'S problem with MR. FANTASTIC? And what does NORMAN OSBORN have in store for Earth's Mightiest Heroes?
DARK AVENGERS #4
The Dark Avengers’ first mission shows Norman Osborn all the plusses and minuses of the choices he has made for his team. So changes must be made. Some come, some go, and not everyone is happy about it. Also, the Cabal reunites for the first time since the Dark Reign began, and they are REALLY not happy.
Four Avengers titles. If this keeps up, at some point it will become too much. (Well, unless they restart the Young Avengers title, that wouldn't be too much.)
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #2 (of 4)
Ronin & Mockingbird have found each other again, but they might be wishing they hadn't! There's a ticking time bomb out there and these two are going to have to either set aside their issues or duke it out before an entire city goes "BOOM!" Odds are there'll be a fight! Plus, what secret has Bobbi been carrying with her since BEFORE the Skrulls abducted her? Find out here as THE REUNION continues!
It's a mini. I rarely give up on minis.
AGENTS OF ATLAS #3
Back in the 1950's our heroes fall deeper into the mystery of the Dragon's Corridor- leading them to Communist plots and two mysteriously familiar bodies on ice. In the present day, a similar trail of intrigue winds back to secret plans of the Atlas Foundation. The Agents look to be building a hellish arsenal for Norman Osborn, and they've just gotten the attention of none other than CAPTAIN AMERICA!
Only getting this because of the Captain America appearance.
MS. MARVEL #38
CLASSIFIED
Go figure.
SPIDER-WOMAN #1
The team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev return to a monthly Marvel comic for the first time since their Eisner award-winning run on Daredevil. ripped from the pages of SECRET INVASION and NEW AVENGERS, this explosive first chapter follows the new adventures of Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman as she rediscovers her life in a world she did not make.
Wheee!
THUNDERBOLTS #131
SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH DEADPOOL! The maniacal Merc with a Mouth has Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts in his crosshairs – and they’ve got him in theirs! The nastiest fight of ’09 explodes here, and you’ve got the front row seat for all the ultra violence that Andy Diggle (DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE) and Bong Dazo can dish up in the book that Aint It Cool News says “continues to impress”!
DEADPOOL #9
SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH THUNDERBOLTS! Love is in the air — but so are a whole lotta bullets! Is Black Widow really falling for Deadpool, or is she using her feminine wiles to bamboozle our questionable hero? Here’s a hint: her name is Black Widow! Don’t do it, Wade! MAGNUM OPUS, the shoot-‘em-up romp of the year, revs toward its conclusion as Deadpool pulls an ace from up his sleeve. Enter: TASKMASTER!
Only getting Thunderbolts because of the Deadpool crossover. Oh, and I'm looking forward to seeing Black Widow here!
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #12
In issue 3, Pete Wisdom let loose hordes of Magical villains in order to fight the Skrulls. His chickens are coming home to roost as Dracula has united these forces. They’ve begun to rip MI13 apart and take England for their own. Treaty with Doctor Doom or not, their threat will not be contained to Great Britain. And there’s nothing Pete can do about it...
So that's why they got Blade on the team.
AVENGERS/INVADERS #10
The true enemy stands revealed and in a twisted past with no order, two teams of heroes make their way under the Atlantic ocean to confront the enemies of freedom who are planning their next move behind a wall built around Europe. But even with the help of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, plus Black Panther, it may be too late to stop the end of everything.
The cover shows Spitfire (and Union Jack), and I like Spitfire.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #49
The most important issue of Captain America since issue 25 is finally here! Sharon Carter's dreams are forcing her to relive the death of Steve Rogers -- and her time under the control of Dr. Faustus. But will these dreams also reveal hidden secrets about what she saw and did the day Steve died?
As always, this one's a given.
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #35
Hawkeye needs a date for an Avengers picnic, but just once he’d like to meet a regular girl who doesn’t punch holes through walls or jet off to Saturn for the weekend. But how does one go about meeting a normal girl when living the life of a super hero? The solution seems to be an online dating service called Lover’s Leap, but when Hawkeye accidentally downloads a wealth of sensitive Avengers information onto the website, which (dang!) turns out to be a scam site run by Batroc the Leaper, it’s going to take the combined fighting might of the Avengers to get Hawkeye out of this jam! Well, at least some of the Avengers. Please don’t tell the others about this, okay?
This one sounds cute.
MARVEL ASSISTANT-SIZED SPECTACULAR #1 & 2 (OF 2)
Rejects, benchwarmers, lovable losers, and might-be Avengers...assemble! In the beloved tradition of Assistant Editors’ Month, we the staffers are sick and tired of our bosses telling nothing but Wolverine stories, Spider-Man stories, Captain America stories...and we’re taking matters into our own oddball hands! Little guys can be heroes, too...and when this motley crew of misfits gets their shot – in stories featuring Elsa Bloodstone, American Eagle, D-Man, the daughter of Galactus, Mini Marvel cake-eating Hawkeye, Candidate Luke Cage, and more – it could be the start of something big! Don’t miss this two-issue anthology of also-rans who might – just MIGHT – ascend to the A-list! (Fingers crossed. Really we’re just hoping this doesn’t get us fired.)
Yeah, I probably want these!
RUNAWAYS #9
Chase’s boss, evil shock-jock Val Rhymin, has raised a magical army of plastic-surgery zombies and is taking over Los Angeles by force. Only the Runaways can stop him. Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of Terry Moore’s (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) run, pardon the pun, on RUNAWAYS!
For the fourteen-year-old.
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #1 (of 5)
Deadpool’s latest job has gotten him into a world of trouble. Everyone wants a piece of him -- and for a crime he didn’t commit! That’s right: Someone’s framed Deadpool, and it just might be the same guy who hired him in the first place, a guy who just might be using the mouthy merc as a wild card in a twisted wager. If Wade’s going to clear his name and serve up some revenge, he’s first got to avoid getting captured -- or killed -- by some of the Marvel Universe’s heaviest hitters: Daredevil, the Punisher and Spider-Man.
Well, yes, of course.
DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL. 2 TPB
Landau, Luckman, and Lake want Deadpool to rebuild himself as a hero but he'll be lucky to pull himself together as he is! His healing factor's down, and the only thing that'll juice it up is a dose of the Incredible Hulk's blood administered by the Weapon X alumnus who helped make Deadpool what he is in the first place! Not even mad science can mend a torn heart, though, as Deadpool's infatuation with X-Force's Siryn (later of X-FACTOR) is challenged by Typhoid Mary who turns heads as easily as she cracks skulls! When she sets off on a grudge match against Daredevil, can Deadpool contain a killing machine even more off kilter than he is? Also featuring wily weapon-boy Weasel, hostage extraordinaire Blind Al and the Taskmaster, later of AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE! Collecting DEADPOOL #2-8 and #-1, and DAREDEVIL/DEADPOOL ANNUAL 1997.
I....think we probably want this.
Oh, and OMG there's going to be a Young Allies Marvel Masterworks! But it's going to be $60, so nope.
The gloves are off! The MASK is off! And for Spidey and the Torch? It's on! One of the deepest friendships in the Marvel U. is about to take a sudden turn...
Plus, life kicks into high gear for practically EVERY member of the supporting cast! Big changes, big surprises, and, like we promised: an event so HUGE, it's going to be felt in almost every Marvel title! This one's a gamechanger, Marvellites! Miss it and you'll miss out!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590
An adventure from Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four's past is about to have a profound effect on their future...That's if Spidey and the Torch can stop fighting long enough to notice! What's the cosmic-level rift that's dividing two of the Marvel U.'s best friends? Plus, a dark turn for Harry Osborn. A new role for Mr. Negative. And the start of a story that's going to effect almost every title at Marvel Comics! We kid you not!!!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592
In the aftermath of Spidey’s Fantastic Four voyage, his whole world is turned upside down by the new rules of the world. The good news is that after all these years, Spider-Man finally gets the upper hand on J. Jonah Jameson--but it's gonna cost him, particularly with the all-new Vulture winging into town! Plus--Peter drops by Aunt May's house for the shock of his life! Set your faces to stun!
The fourteen-year-old still likes it, so we still get it.
NEW AVENGERS #52
Who is the new Sorcerer Supreme? The entire Marvel Universe hangs in the balance as the Avengers race to help the fallen Doctor Strange battle the forces of the Dark Dimension as they make their earthly power play.
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #23
This is it...the explosive issue that changes everything! From the moment it was formed, the Initiative has had more than its share of dark secrets. Now, they've all come out. On top of everything else, can the Initiative survive this? Well, the title of this story is THE INITIATIVE: DISASSEMBLED...
MIGHTY AVENGERS #24
"CHASING GHOSTS"
The SCARLET WITCH is back and her brother wants answers! Join QUICKSILVER as he races around the globe, hunting down the MIGHTY AVENGERS! Plus, what's HANK PYM'S problem with MR. FANTASTIC? And what does NORMAN OSBORN have in store for Earth's Mightiest Heroes?
DARK AVENGERS #4
The Dark Avengers’ first mission shows Norman Osborn all the plusses and minuses of the choices he has made for his team. So changes must be made. Some come, some go, and not everyone is happy about it. Also, the Cabal reunites for the first time since the Dark Reign began, and they are REALLY not happy.
Four Avengers titles. If this keeps up, at some point it will become too much. (Well, unless they restart the Young Avengers title, that wouldn't be too much.)
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #2 (of 4)
Ronin & Mockingbird have found each other again, but they might be wishing they hadn't! There's a ticking time bomb out there and these two are going to have to either set aside their issues or duke it out before an entire city goes "BOOM!" Odds are there'll be a fight! Plus, what secret has Bobbi been carrying with her since BEFORE the Skrulls abducted her? Find out here as THE REUNION continues!
It's a mini. I rarely give up on minis.
AGENTS OF ATLAS #3
Back in the 1950's our heroes fall deeper into the mystery of the Dragon's Corridor- leading them to Communist plots and two mysteriously familiar bodies on ice. In the present day, a similar trail of intrigue winds back to secret plans of the Atlas Foundation. The Agents look to be building a hellish arsenal for Norman Osborn, and they've just gotten the attention of none other than CAPTAIN AMERICA!
Only getting this because of the Captain America appearance.
MS. MARVEL #38
CLASSIFIED
Go figure.
SPIDER-WOMAN #1
The team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev return to a monthly Marvel comic for the first time since their Eisner award-winning run on Daredevil. ripped from the pages of SECRET INVASION and NEW AVENGERS, this explosive first chapter follows the new adventures of Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman as she rediscovers her life in a world she did not make.
Wheee!
THUNDERBOLTS #131
SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH DEADPOOL! The maniacal Merc with a Mouth has Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts in his crosshairs – and they’ve got him in theirs! The nastiest fight of ’09 explodes here, and you’ve got the front row seat for all the ultra violence that Andy Diggle (DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE) and Bong Dazo can dish up in the book that Aint It Cool News says “continues to impress”!
DEADPOOL #9
SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH THUNDERBOLTS! Love is in the air — but so are a whole lotta bullets! Is Black Widow really falling for Deadpool, or is she using her feminine wiles to bamboozle our questionable hero? Here’s a hint: her name is Black Widow! Don’t do it, Wade! MAGNUM OPUS, the shoot-‘em-up romp of the year, revs toward its conclusion as Deadpool pulls an ace from up his sleeve. Enter: TASKMASTER!
Only getting Thunderbolts because of the Deadpool crossover. Oh, and I'm looking forward to seeing Black Widow here!
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #12
In issue 3, Pete Wisdom let loose hordes of Magical villains in order to fight the Skrulls. His chickens are coming home to roost as Dracula has united these forces. They’ve begun to rip MI13 apart and take England for their own. Treaty with Doctor Doom or not, their threat will not be contained to Great Britain. And there’s nothing Pete can do about it...
So that's why they got Blade on the team.
AVENGERS/INVADERS #10
The true enemy stands revealed and in a twisted past with no order, two teams of heroes make their way under the Atlantic ocean to confront the enemies of freedom who are planning their next move behind a wall built around Europe. But even with the help of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, plus Black Panther, it may be too late to stop the end of everything.
The cover shows Spitfire (and Union Jack), and I like Spitfire.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #49
The most important issue of Captain America since issue 25 is finally here! Sharon Carter's dreams are forcing her to relive the death of Steve Rogers -- and her time under the control of Dr. Faustus. But will these dreams also reveal hidden secrets about what she saw and did the day Steve died?
As always, this one's a given.
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #35
Hawkeye needs a date for an Avengers picnic, but just once he’d like to meet a regular girl who doesn’t punch holes through walls or jet off to Saturn for the weekend. But how does one go about meeting a normal girl when living the life of a super hero? The solution seems to be an online dating service called Lover’s Leap, but when Hawkeye accidentally downloads a wealth of sensitive Avengers information onto the website, which (dang!) turns out to be a scam site run by Batroc the Leaper, it’s going to take the combined fighting might of the Avengers to get Hawkeye out of this jam! Well, at least some of the Avengers. Please don’t tell the others about this, okay?
This one sounds cute.
MARVEL ASSISTANT-SIZED SPECTACULAR #1 & 2 (OF 2)
Rejects, benchwarmers, lovable losers, and might-be Avengers...assemble! In the beloved tradition of Assistant Editors’ Month, we the staffers are sick and tired of our bosses telling nothing but Wolverine stories, Spider-Man stories, Captain America stories...and we’re taking matters into our own oddball hands! Little guys can be heroes, too...and when this motley crew of misfits gets their shot – in stories featuring Elsa Bloodstone, American Eagle, D-Man, the daughter of Galactus, Mini Marvel cake-eating Hawkeye, Candidate Luke Cage, and more – it could be the start of something big! Don’t miss this two-issue anthology of also-rans who might – just MIGHT – ascend to the A-list! (Fingers crossed. Really we’re just hoping this doesn’t get us fired.)
Yeah, I probably want these!
RUNAWAYS #9
Chase’s boss, evil shock-jock Val Rhymin, has raised a magical army of plastic-surgery zombies and is taking over Los Angeles by force. Only the Runaways can stop him. Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of Terry Moore’s (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) run, pardon the pun, on RUNAWAYS!
For the fourteen-year-old.
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #1 (of 5)
Deadpool’s latest job has gotten him into a world of trouble. Everyone wants a piece of him -- and for a crime he didn’t commit! That’s right: Someone’s framed Deadpool, and it just might be the same guy who hired him in the first place, a guy who just might be using the mouthy merc as a wild card in a twisted wager. If Wade’s going to clear his name and serve up some revenge, he’s first got to avoid getting captured -- or killed -- by some of the Marvel Universe’s heaviest hitters: Daredevil, the Punisher and Spider-Man.
Well, yes, of course.
DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL. 2 TPB
Landau, Luckman, and Lake want Deadpool to rebuild himself as a hero but he'll be lucky to pull himself together as he is! His healing factor's down, and the only thing that'll juice it up is a dose of the Incredible Hulk's blood administered by the Weapon X alumnus who helped make Deadpool what he is in the first place! Not even mad science can mend a torn heart, though, as Deadpool's infatuation with X-Force's Siryn (later of X-FACTOR) is challenged by Typhoid Mary who turns heads as easily as she cracks skulls! When she sets off on a grudge match against Daredevil, can Deadpool contain a killing machine even more off kilter than he is? Also featuring wily weapon-boy Weasel, hostage extraordinaire Blind Al and the Taskmaster, later of AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE! Collecting DEADPOOL #2-8 and #-1, and DAREDEVIL/DEADPOOL ANNUAL 1997.
I....think we probably want this.
Oh, and OMG there's going to be a Young Allies Marvel Masterworks! But it's going to be $60, so nope.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What I Want:: The April 09 DC Solicitations
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2
With the destruction of Arkham Asylum and dozens of Gotham City’s most lethal villains rioting through the streets, it would seem that Nightwing, Robin and their allies have their hands full. But they hadn’t counted on the return of Batman himself! But is it really The Dark Knight? If so, why is he acting so strangely? And if not, is this a threat that could mean the destruction of Gotham?
This 3-issue series continues to shock and surprise as the battle shifts to the next level with a face-off and ending that will have everybody talking. Who has earned the right to be Batman? Who thinks they deserve it? Robin? Nightwing? Jason Todd? Who will ultimately win the BATTLE FOR THE COWL?
Well, yeah, 'course I'm getting this.
ORACLE #2
The Calculator will go to any lengths to save the life of his daughter Wendy – even if it means using remnants of the Anti-Life Equation to do so! But when Oracle intervenes, she soon finds out that the Calculator has been killing Internet hackers from across the globe to get his hands on the Equation, and the final name on his list is hers!
I hope this is good. I don't dislike Oracle, not at all, but she's not the main reason I buy (bought) Birds of Prey.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35
Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT! “Emerald Eclipse” continues as a Red Lantern escapes out of its sciencell and ignites a riot on Oa, forcing Guy, Kyle, Kilowog and Voz to try and prevent the ultimate jailbreak. Meanwhile, Sodam Yat and Arisia arrive on Daxam to stop Mongul and the Sinestro Corps. But how can they hope to stop an entire Corps? Plus: Sinestro arrives on Korugan in search of his daughter!
Generally like this one.
GREEN LANTERN #41
Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT! In “Agent Orange” part 3, the truth behind the eternally corrupt Vega System is finally revealed and the Green Lantern Corps will pay dearly for uncovering the secret. Meanwhile, the greed of Agent Orange knows no bounds as his demand for the universe explodes. Plus, Hal continues to struggle with the abilities of his new power ring.
Getting this because of the "Prelude to Blackest Night" thing. Because I'm a sucker like that.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #32
While the team struggles with the aftermath of dissolution, the cosmic force known as Starbreaker sets out to ravage the earth for a hidden source of unimaginable power. But with the team facing its own crisis, who will stand in his way?
Yeah, I think I'm giving this another chance.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26
Featuring three painted covers by Alex Ross depicting the entire Justice Society of America! In a very special day-in-the-life story of the JSA titled “Black Adam Ruined My Birthday,” the team celebrates the birthday of one of their own – Stargirl! Don’t miss this momentous issue.
This one sounds like potentially a lot of fun.
TEEN TITANS ANNUAL 2009 #1
Prelude to the “Deathtrap” crossover between the pages of TEEN TITANS, TITANS and VIGILANTE! Titans Tower has mysteriously come to life to attack the Teen Titans! But The Titans have one secret weapon their unknown assailant doesn’t know about. Will they be able to use this weapon in time to save themselves? Find out as the story continues in TITANS #12! And be sure to check out the awesome interlocking covers by Andrew Robinson spanning the entire “Deathtrap” story that create one massive image!
TITANS #12
“Deathtrap” Part 1 of 5! Completely unhinged, Jericho continues his assault upon his former teammates. As if that wasn’t enough, he also draws the Teen Titans into his twisted plot. And the Vigilante makes it his mission to stop Jericho – permanently! Continued in VIGILANTE #5!
I am not, however, going to pick up Vigilante 5. Probably.
SECRET SIX #8
It's a special double date issue as the surviving members of the Six take a night on the town in that disturbing way that only they can do. It's dinner and a movie with bullets and bloodshed in an all-romance (with violence) issue you won't want to miss! Plus, what does Ragdoll dream about? Um, it’s not for the squeamish.
I totally love this book; every month it's one of the most entertaining things in the box.
WONDER WOMAN #31
“Rise of the Olympian!” Two warrior cultures collide as Diana finally faces off against the invulnerable champion of Zeus known as Achilles – the demi-god warrior reincarnated to replace Wonder Woman! Also, we learn more about the monstrous creature Genocide as a key member of the supporting cast hovers near death. The story that changes Diana's status quo forever continues!
And I'm not ready to give up on that one quite yet.
SCOOBY-DOO #143
The White House has an unexpected guest! The Scooby Gang will have to find the secret behind the Wicked Witch of the West Wing before the government gets scared silly!
For the ten-year-old, of course. :)
BLACKEST NIGHT SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES
DC Direct is proud to produce action figures for the event of the summer – the beginning of the highly anticipated “Blackest Night” storyline!
Included in this series are Earth-2 Superman, the first member of the lifeless, emotionless, Black Lanterns to be revealed; Boodikka, the veteran corpsman who was among the first to become a member of the Green Lantern Corps’ own policing unit, the Alpha Lanterns; Saint Walker, the first member of the Blue Lantern Corps, which champions hope in the universe; and Atrocitus, Abin Sur’s killer and the first to utilize the power of blood and rage to become a member of the Red Lantern Corps, which is out to destroy both the Sinestro and Green Lantern Corps!
The one I might want is Boodikka. Mainly because it looks like it comes with a faceplate of her original look. As for the others, I'm thinking not.
With the destruction of Arkham Asylum and dozens of Gotham City’s most lethal villains rioting through the streets, it would seem that Nightwing, Robin and their allies have their hands full. But they hadn’t counted on the return of Batman himself! But is it really The Dark Knight? If so, why is he acting so strangely? And if not, is this a threat that could mean the destruction of Gotham?
This 3-issue series continues to shock and surprise as the battle shifts to the next level with a face-off and ending that will have everybody talking. Who has earned the right to be Batman? Who thinks they deserve it? Robin? Nightwing? Jason Todd? Who will ultimately win the BATTLE FOR THE COWL?
Well, yeah, 'course I'm getting this.
ORACLE #2
The Calculator will go to any lengths to save the life of his daughter Wendy – even if it means using remnants of the Anti-Life Equation to do so! But when Oracle intervenes, she soon finds out that the Calculator has been killing Internet hackers from across the globe to get his hands on the Equation, and the final name on his list is hers!
I hope this is good. I don't dislike Oracle, not at all, but she's not the main reason I buy (bought) Birds of Prey.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35
Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT! “Emerald Eclipse” continues as a Red Lantern escapes out of its sciencell and ignites a riot on Oa, forcing Guy, Kyle, Kilowog and Voz to try and prevent the ultimate jailbreak. Meanwhile, Sodam Yat and Arisia arrive on Daxam to stop Mongul and the Sinestro Corps. But how can they hope to stop an entire Corps? Plus: Sinestro arrives on Korugan in search of his daughter!
Generally like this one.
GREEN LANTERN #41
Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT! In “Agent Orange” part 3, the truth behind the eternally corrupt Vega System is finally revealed and the Green Lantern Corps will pay dearly for uncovering the secret. Meanwhile, the greed of Agent Orange knows no bounds as his demand for the universe explodes. Plus, Hal continues to struggle with the abilities of his new power ring.
Getting this because of the "Prelude to Blackest Night" thing. Because I'm a sucker like that.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #32
While the team struggles with the aftermath of dissolution, the cosmic force known as Starbreaker sets out to ravage the earth for a hidden source of unimaginable power. But with the team facing its own crisis, who will stand in his way?
Yeah, I think I'm giving this another chance.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26
Featuring three painted covers by Alex Ross depicting the entire Justice Society of America! In a very special day-in-the-life story of the JSA titled “Black Adam Ruined My Birthday,” the team celebrates the birthday of one of their own – Stargirl! Don’t miss this momentous issue.
This one sounds like potentially a lot of fun.
TEEN TITANS ANNUAL 2009 #1
Prelude to the “Deathtrap” crossover between the pages of TEEN TITANS, TITANS and VIGILANTE! Titans Tower has mysteriously come to life to attack the Teen Titans! But The Titans have one secret weapon their unknown assailant doesn’t know about. Will they be able to use this weapon in time to save themselves? Find out as the story continues in TITANS #12! And be sure to check out the awesome interlocking covers by Andrew Robinson spanning the entire “Deathtrap” story that create one massive image!
TITANS #12
“Deathtrap” Part 1 of 5! Completely unhinged, Jericho continues his assault upon his former teammates. As if that wasn’t enough, he also draws the Teen Titans into his twisted plot. And the Vigilante makes it his mission to stop Jericho – permanently! Continued in VIGILANTE #5!
I am not, however, going to pick up Vigilante 5. Probably.
SECRET SIX #8
It's a special double date issue as the surviving members of the Six take a night on the town in that disturbing way that only they can do. It's dinner and a movie with bullets and bloodshed in an all-romance (with violence) issue you won't want to miss! Plus, what does Ragdoll dream about? Um, it’s not for the squeamish.
I totally love this book; every month it's one of the most entertaining things in the box.
WONDER WOMAN #31
“Rise of the Olympian!” Two warrior cultures collide as Diana finally faces off against the invulnerable champion of Zeus known as Achilles – the demi-god warrior reincarnated to replace Wonder Woman! Also, we learn more about the monstrous creature Genocide as a key member of the supporting cast hovers near death. The story that changes Diana's status quo forever continues!
And I'm not ready to give up on that one quite yet.
SCOOBY-DOO #143
The White House has an unexpected guest! The Scooby Gang will have to find the secret behind the Wicked Witch of the West Wing before the government gets scared silly!
For the ten-year-old, of course. :)
BLACKEST NIGHT SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES
DC Direct is proud to produce action figures for the event of the summer – the beginning of the highly anticipated “Blackest Night” storyline!
Included in this series are Earth-2 Superman, the first member of the lifeless, emotionless, Black Lanterns to be revealed; Boodikka, the veteran corpsman who was among the first to become a member of the Green Lantern Corps’ own policing unit, the Alpha Lanterns; Saint Walker, the first member of the Blue Lantern Corps, which champions hope in the universe; and Atrocitus, Abin Sur’s killer and the first to utilize the power of blood and rage to become a member of the Red Lantern Corps, which is out to destroy both the Sinestro and Green Lantern Corps!
The one I might want is Boodikka. Mainly because it looks like it comes with a faceplate of her original look. As for the others, I'm thinking not.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'm just so damn picky!
When it comes to movies, if I follow anything, I follow characters.
That means that I don't follow actors.
If, for example, I say that I'm a Bogart fan, what I mean is that I like Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep. I'll watch them whenever they're on. I've got the latter two on DVD, and I'll still watch them whenever they're on. As for Caine Mutiny and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, I've seen them, they're good movies, but--for me--not re-watchers. (And I never did care much for African Queen.) See, I like Bogart, but I like a particular Bogart. In the three movies I mention first, he plays pretty much the same character (or close enough to it).
Now, I love old movies, and a lot of the time in old movies, liking the actor is pretty much the same thing as liking the character, because actors tended to be cast in similar roles over and over. It must have often sucked for the actors, but it certainly makes it easy for me as a viewer to see James Cagney or Edward G. Robinson in a movie's credits and be pretty sure I'm in for a good time.
So, how that relates to comics.
Well, when it comes to comics, I also follow characters.
This means that I buy books, mainly, because of who's in them. This also means that, often, I'm not going to automatically like a replacement character (Captain America notwithstanding). I might. I'll give it a try most of the time. But there are no guarantees.
And it means that, as a reader, I like to know that if I see Hawkeye or She-Hulk on a book's cover, I can be pretty sure that I'm in for a good time. A lot of the time, I am.
You know when I'm not?
When the character isn't the same character anymore.
It happens.
And when it happens, well, I save some money. :)
That means that I don't follow actors.
If, for example, I say that I'm a Bogart fan, what I mean is that I like Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep. I'll watch them whenever they're on. I've got the latter two on DVD, and I'll still watch them whenever they're on. As for Caine Mutiny and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, I've seen them, they're good movies, but--for me--not re-watchers. (And I never did care much for African Queen.) See, I like Bogart, but I like a particular Bogart. In the three movies I mention first, he plays pretty much the same character (or close enough to it).
Now, I love old movies, and a lot of the time in old movies, liking the actor is pretty much the same thing as liking the character, because actors tended to be cast in similar roles over and over. It must have often sucked for the actors, but it certainly makes it easy for me as a viewer to see James Cagney or Edward G. Robinson in a movie's credits and be pretty sure I'm in for a good time.
So, how that relates to comics.
Well, when it comes to comics, I also follow characters.
This means that I buy books, mainly, because of who's in them. This also means that, often, I'm not going to automatically like a replacement character (Captain America notwithstanding). I might. I'll give it a try most of the time. But there are no guarantees.
And it means that, as a reader, I like to know that if I see Hawkeye or She-Hulk on a book's cover, I can be pretty sure that I'm in for a good time. A lot of the time, I am.
You know when I'm not?
When the character isn't the same character anymore.
It happens.
And when it happens, well, I save some money. :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Gosh darned Zamarons (spoilage for GLC 32)
Because I kinda like to be spoiled, I don't make a point of avoiding discussion of comics I haven't read yet. I'd like to say that there's just no point to it, since I don't get my comics until the end of the month and it'd be hard to miss spoilage anyway, but really I just don't have the patience not to look at the spoilers.
So, being an avid fan of Green Lantern Corps, of course I had to read all about issue 32.
Which (here's the spoiler) hints at the possibility of a romantic interest between Kyle Rayner and Soranik Natu.
Now, I like Kyle. I wish him all happiness. But not if it means that poor Natu isn't going to be long for this universe!
I mean, damn it!
More seriously, I really don't like the idea of Natu becoming "the girlfriend." GLC is of course an ensemble piece, but clearly the focus of the book is going to be on Kyle and Guy. They're the earth Lanterns, they're the ones that most fans are there to to read about. Hook Natu up with anybody else, it isn't going to be such a problem, but attached to one of those two, I'm afraid her own characterization is going to lose something.
Regardless, I'm still hoping for that Natu action figure and soon!
So, being an avid fan of Green Lantern Corps, of course I had to read all about issue 32.
Which (here's the spoiler) hints at the possibility of a romantic interest between Kyle Rayner and Soranik Natu.
Now, I like Kyle. I wish him all happiness. But not if it means that poor Natu isn't going to be long for this universe!
I mean, damn it!
More seriously, I really don't like the idea of Natu becoming "the girlfriend." GLC is of course an ensemble piece, but clearly the focus of the book is going to be on Kyle and Guy. They're the earth Lanterns, they're the ones that most fans are there to to read about. Hook Natu up with anybody else, it isn't going to be such a problem, but attached to one of those two, I'm afraid her own characterization is going to lose something.
Regardless, I'm still hoping for that Natu action figure and soon!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Somewhat non-comic-related semi-rant
Folks who've read my blog for a while know that I'm not really a Serious Blogger. I love comic books, have ever since I was a little girl, and reading them is a hobby that's given me a lot of pleasure over the years. A fair number of my posts are of the "hey, this is so cool!" variety. Comics are my fun. (Well, one of my funs. :))
That, and the fact that I often go days without reading the rest of the comic blogoverse, means that I usually don't weigh in on a lot of controversial topics that make the rounds. For one thing, it's not my focus, and for another, more often than not by the time I get around to it, someone else has already said whatever I'd have said (and probably done a better job of it).
But I do want to say just a little something that's probably off the topic entirely, because it pushed one of my buttons. And I don't have a lot of buttons, so I don't often get this opportunity :).
I've considered myself a feminist ever since I first heard the word, which was probably during high school, so that's thirty-plus years. In fact, I know relatively few women in my age bracket who wouldn't call themselves feminists. That doesn't mean that it's a primary identifier (as in "Hi, I'm Brainfreeze and I'm a feminist.") or that feminism is the main filter they see the world through, or that they even think about it on a regular basis.
What I'm saying is that to tell someone who self-identifies as feminist that they are not a feminist is kind of presumptive. Because "feminism" isn't a clearly-defined entity. There are a wide variety of ways in which people can express their feminism.
You can be an old-school baseline "women and men should have the same opportunities" feminist, and still be a feminist.
You can have a primary activist focus that's something other than feminism and still be a feminist.
You can be a homemaker whose contribution to the family is entirely non-monetary and still be a feminist.
You can enjoy traditional pornography (or, I suppose, Tarot) and still be a feminist.
And if you are any of these things (among others), there will be people waiting in line to tell you that you are not a feminist.
And they'll be wrong.
That, and the fact that I often go days without reading the rest of the comic blogoverse, means that I usually don't weigh in on a lot of controversial topics that make the rounds. For one thing, it's not my focus, and for another, more often than not by the time I get around to it, someone else has already said whatever I'd have said (and probably done a better job of it).
But I do want to say just a little something that's probably off the topic entirely, because it pushed one of my buttons. And I don't have a lot of buttons, so I don't often get this opportunity :).
I've considered myself a feminist ever since I first heard the word, which was probably during high school, so that's thirty-plus years. In fact, I know relatively few women in my age bracket who wouldn't call themselves feminists. That doesn't mean that it's a primary identifier (as in "Hi, I'm Brainfreeze and I'm a feminist.") or that feminism is the main filter they see the world through, or that they even think about it on a regular basis.
What I'm saying is that to tell someone who self-identifies as feminist that they are not a feminist is kind of presumptive. Because "feminism" isn't a clearly-defined entity. There are a wide variety of ways in which people can express their feminism.
You can be an old-school baseline "women and men should have the same opportunities" feminist, and still be a feminist.
You can have a primary activist focus that's something other than feminism and still be a feminist.
You can be a homemaker whose contribution to the family is entirely non-monetary and still be a feminist.
You can enjoy traditional pornography (or, I suppose, Tarot) and still be a feminist.
And if you are any of these things (among others), there will be people waiting in line to tell you that you are not a feminist.
And they'll be wrong.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
No such thing as too much Deadpool!
There's a Deadpool limited series coming up in the spring.
Obviously we'll be getting it.
Hopefully it'll be something the ten-year-old can read as well.
See, Deadpool isn't really a kid-friendly character in that he's a killer. He kills people, and most of the time it's treated pretty casually.
However, he's also a character that kids are going to be drawn toward--mainly because he's funny (my kids gained their fondness for him from the Marvel Ultimate Alliance videogame), but in some ways he also seems to have a child-like persona, impulsive and immature. He's relatable.
So I make a point of being the first to read Deadpool every month. Before passing it on to the kids.
Because they do love Deadpool.
Obviously we'll be getting it.
Hopefully it'll be something the ten-year-old can read as well.
See, Deadpool isn't really a kid-friendly character in that he's a killer. He kills people, and most of the time it's treated pretty casually.
However, he's also a character that kids are going to be drawn toward--mainly because he's funny (my kids gained their fondness for him from the Marvel Ultimate Alliance videogame), but in some ways he also seems to have a child-like persona, impulsive and immature. He's relatable.
So I make a point of being the first to read Deadpool every month. Before passing it on to the kids.
Because they do love Deadpool.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Event fatigue
Well, I went and got myself spoiled regarding Final Crisis 6.
You know what?
I can't really seem to care. I don't know whether that's because I don't really believe it, or because it seems like such an expected sort of Big Deal surprise, or just because I'm so jaded by Big Deals that nothing Big really seems all that Big anymore.
You know what?
I can't really seem to care. I don't know whether that's because I don't really believe it, or because it seems like such an expected sort of Big Deal surprise, or just because I'm so jaded by Big Deals that nothing Big really seems all that Big anymore.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Comics for the Type-B Personality
Tonight I read the last few comics from our most recent package, including Ms. Marvel (good to see Aaron Stack again, and actually quite enjoying the Spider-Man guest appearance), She-Hulk (at this rate I may not mind the book going away so much), Wonder Woman (captured my interest more than most have), Captain Britain and MI-13, and New Avengers.
I like all those titles all right, and in fairness to myself I'll say that when the comics came in I really just sat down and read a handful--Captain America, Avengers/Invaders, Justice Society, Green Lantern Corps--because there was too much other stuff going on. But I've had a few free afternoons since then, and I just now got around to reading the rest of the comics. Usually I've read the whole box within a week, at least.
I don't think, as I said, it's that I don't like the books. It's not that I didn't enjoy them--I did. It's that they're not edge-of-the-seaters. Is that important? It's not essential, I don't think, at least not for me. Cliffhanger endings don't make me any more likely to buy a book.
But I grew up reading comics that, fairly often, were single-issue stories. No cliffhangers there. And the multi-issue stories weren't nearly as long and involved as they are these days. I don't need a storyline to bring me back--the characters do that. But is that the case with newer readers? Is that the reason for all these events--that the companies think the readers need to have the action stepped up, again and again, to get them buying?
It's late, and I wouldn't know even if I weren't this tired. Just, sometimes I like a story that gives me a rest.
I like all those titles all right, and in fairness to myself I'll say that when the comics came in I really just sat down and read a handful--Captain America, Avengers/Invaders, Justice Society, Green Lantern Corps--because there was too much other stuff going on. But I've had a few free afternoons since then, and I just now got around to reading the rest of the comics. Usually I've read the whole box within a week, at least.
I don't think, as I said, it's that I don't like the books. It's not that I didn't enjoy them--I did. It's that they're not edge-of-the-seaters. Is that important? It's not essential, I don't think, at least not for me. Cliffhanger endings don't make me any more likely to buy a book.
But I grew up reading comics that, fairly often, were single-issue stories. No cliffhangers there. And the multi-issue stories weren't nearly as long and involved as they are these days. I don't need a storyline to bring me back--the characters do that. But is that the case with newer readers? Is that the reason for all these events--that the companies think the readers need to have the action stepped up, again and again, to get them buying?
It's late, and I wouldn't know even if I weren't this tired. Just, sometimes I like a story that gives me a rest.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The lines are outrageous!
Since we get Amazing Spider-Man (thanks to the fourteen-year-old) anyway, we are presumably getting the Obama issue.
No, I wouldn't make a point of trying to get it otherwise. I'm glad he won, but I'd rather see him doing real-life good things than comic-book good things.
The ten-year-old will be excited, though. She's looking forward to inauguration day, has been ever since election night when she and her best friend marked down the electoral votes as they came in on our "big board," doing little happy dances whenever Obama won a state.
I always have kind of mixed feelings when a comic book gets a lot of media coverage.
On the one hand, I figure that some new actual fans will come out of it--people who go into the comic shop looking for the big deal title but who come out of it having found something else that interests them.
And, I suppose, it doesn't hurt for the public as a whole to be reminded that comic books are still around. :)
On the other hand, for the most part, that really doesn't happen. Most folks will go in and get that one comic and leave, and never be seen again. I don't know what the statistics are on that, but I'm guessing that not a lot of people are hooked by comics by means of these things.
No, I wouldn't make a point of trying to get it otherwise. I'm glad he won, but I'd rather see him doing real-life good things than comic-book good things.
The ten-year-old will be excited, though. She's looking forward to inauguration day, has been ever since election night when she and her best friend marked down the electoral votes as they came in on our "big board," doing little happy dances whenever Obama won a state.
I always have kind of mixed feelings when a comic book gets a lot of media coverage.
On the one hand, I figure that some new actual fans will come out of it--people who go into the comic shop looking for the big deal title but who come out of it having found something else that interests them.
And, I suppose, it doesn't hurt for the public as a whole to be reminded that comic books are still around. :)
On the other hand, for the most part, that really doesn't happen. Most folks will go in and get that one comic and leave, and never be seen again. I don't know what the statistics are on that, but I'm guessing that not a lot of people are hooked by comics by means of these things.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Like something out of House Beautiful
Well, now that I've bored you all with descriptions of my holiday action figure acquisitions, I can admit that I'm not looking forward to having to think about what I'm going to write again.
Right now I'm thinking about display options for action figures. Hey, the kids aren't going to be kids forever! Someday they'll be tired of playing with the things and I'll have to find some way to show them off. In a decorative way. I'm not really someone with an interest in decorating--I like the things in my house to have a function. They can look nice, too, but not if that means they don't serve their purpose as well as something else. We live in our house. We do things in our house. We have a lot of books, which don't really seem to go with the home decor thing. We have lots of hobby-related stuff, which ditto. And I have never understood throw pillows so I don't have any. Besides, I don't see how a sideboard full of superheroes is any less decorative than one full of Hummels!
I actually have a theory, that the whole "less is more" school of what a home should look like comes from the media--from people gradually getting the idea that the houses they see in movies (and, later, television) are the standard to aim for. Only, no one actually lives in those houses. Your house would be spare and spotless, too, if all you had to do in it was walk through it and have dramatic interludes with other people.
The trades aren't a problem. They can go on a bookshelf, like any other book. The longboxes...well, you really do need a dedicated storage area for those, whether attic or basement or spare room or closet. But the action figures...for those, I'll need to come up with something.
Right now I'm thinking about display options for action figures. Hey, the kids aren't going to be kids forever! Someday they'll be tired of playing with the things and I'll have to find some way to show them off. In a decorative way. I'm not really someone with an interest in decorating--I like the things in my house to have a function. They can look nice, too, but not if that means they don't serve their purpose as well as something else. We live in our house. We do things in our house. We have a lot of books, which don't really seem to go with the home decor thing. We have lots of hobby-related stuff, which ditto. And I have never understood throw pillows so I don't have any. Besides, I don't see how a sideboard full of superheroes is any less decorative than one full of Hummels!
I actually have a theory, that the whole "less is more" school of what a home should look like comes from the media--from people gradually getting the idea that the houses they see in movies (and, later, television) are the standard to aim for. Only, no one actually lives in those houses. Your house would be spare and spotless, too, if all you had to do in it was walk through it and have dramatic interludes with other people.
The trades aren't a problem. They can go on a bookshelf, like any other book. The longboxes...well, you really do need a dedicated storage area for those, whether attic or basement or spare room or closet. But the action figures...for those, I'll need to come up with something.
Monday, January 12, 2009
DC Direct 52 Animal Man Action Figure
You know, I've never been sure what the difference is between Animal Man's and Vixen's power sets. We now have both characters in the house, though, so I suppose the kids will figure it out.
This is the third 52 series figure we've gotten. The others, Batwoman and Isis, are a bit stiff and not terribly posable, but they're both quite decorative. This one? Well, it's not terrible, but the goggles are a little odd-looking and he has that "bodybuilder hunch" despite not being a muscular figure at all, which is strange. Otherwise, he's fine. The jacket in particular looks very good.
He has relatively little range of movement overall. He can sit, and stands fairly well. He bends at the knees and elbows, turns at wrist, boot and shoulder. He doesn't turn at the waist (the DC Direct figures rarely do). And the head doesn't move at all, which is unusual in any line of action figure.
So, not the best of the line, not the best of the series. However, I'm guessing that the chances of getting another Animal Man any time soon are pretty slim, so I'm pleased.
This is the third 52 series figure we've gotten. The others, Batwoman and Isis, are a bit stiff and not terribly posable, but they're both quite decorative. This one? Well, it's not terrible, but the goggles are a little odd-looking and he has that "bodybuilder hunch" despite not being a muscular figure at all, which is strange. Otherwise, he's fine. The jacket in particular looks very good.
He has relatively little range of movement overall. He can sit, and stands fairly well. He bends at the knees and elbows, turns at wrist, boot and shoulder. He doesn't turn at the waist (the DC Direct figures rarely do). And the head doesn't move at all, which is unusual in any line of action figure.
So, not the best of the line, not the best of the series. However, I'm guessing that the chances of getting another Animal Man any time soon are pretty slim, so I'm pleased.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
DC Direct Teen Titans Ravager Action Figure
This is the first figure we've gotten from this series, and while I'm not unhappy with it, I do note that she's rather petite in comparison with other DC Direct figures (since I haven't seen the rest of this series I don't know whether they all are, or whether it's just Ravager). However, she is supposed to be a teen character so I guess that's all right.
Otherwise it's a decent-looking figure. Good costume (although the plastic ties at the back of the mask are likely to come off with any play at all). She's a lot slimmer above the waist than below, although I won't complain about that because it makes her a more stable figure; however, an athletic character like Ravager ought to have a few more muscles. And when I said she was petite, that includes the chest, which is appropriate for a teen girl and a nice change.
She has most of the basic jointing (bends at elbows, knees, shoulders and hips, turns at head and wrists., and a decent range of movement overall. As I implied earlier, she stands very well (due in part to the wide-bottomed boots, I expect).
She comes with a sword, which is nice, although the fourteen-year-old wonders why she didn't come with two swords (she's the main Teen Titans reader around here).
Otherwise it's a decent-looking figure. Good costume (although the plastic ties at the back of the mask are likely to come off with any play at all). She's a lot slimmer above the waist than below, although I won't complain about that because it makes her a more stable figure; however, an athletic character like Ravager ought to have a few more muscles. And when I said she was petite, that includes the chest, which is appropriate for a teen girl and a nice change.
She has most of the basic jointing (bends at elbows, knees, shoulders and hips, turns at head and wrists., and a decent range of movement overall. As I implied earlier, she stands very well (due in part to the wide-bottomed boots, I expect).
She comes with a sword, which is nice, although the fourteen-year-old wonders why she didn't come with two swords (she's the main Teen Titans reader around here).
Saturday, January 10, 2009
DC Universe Classics Red Tornado Action Figure
He looks about as I'd expect him to. The figure's design is excellent--he's got that annoying collar on his cape (the kind that totally limits his ability to see anything that's not directly in front of him) but that's the costume. He's actually a bit more muscular than I usually think of the character being (as an android his strength doesn't come from that) but it's not too bad.
And, of course, he's quite playable. He can't sit, of course, because of the cape, but other than that we have no complaints whatsoever. He has pretty much every bit of jointing you could ask for, and stands well enough in just about any pose you can think of (within reason).
So, good figure, good addition to the JLA team around here.
And, of course, he's quite playable. He can't sit, of course, because of the cape, but other than that we have no complaints whatsoever. He has pretty much every bit of jointing you could ask for, and stands well enough in just about any pose you can think of (within reason).
So, good figure, good addition to the JLA team around here.
Friday, January 09, 2009
DC Universe Classics Etrigan Action Figure
I'm actually not quite sure why we got this guy, because none of us are particularly interested in the character. Sometimes that happens, I guess. :)
He looks pretty good; I'm certainly no expert on how Etrigan is supposed to look, but I don't notice any glaring discrepancies. He's got that bodybuilder hunchback thing, but I seem to recall that he doesn't stand up particularly straight anyway, so it's not such a problem here.
He's quite posable, as is the norm for this series. He's got all the jointing we've come to expect; the shoulder movement is limited by his cape, but his head will turn upside down so that more than makes up for it.
In any case, decent figure, going to be used mainly in group scenes around here, I suspect.
He looks pretty good; I'm certainly no expert on how Etrigan is supposed to look, but I don't notice any glaring discrepancies. He's got that bodybuilder hunchback thing, but I seem to recall that he doesn't stand up particularly straight anyway, so it's not such a problem here.
He's quite posable, as is the norm for this series. He's got all the jointing we've come to expect; the shoulder movement is limited by his cape, but his head will turn upside down so that more than makes up for it.
In any case, decent figure, going to be used mainly in group scenes around here, I suspect.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
DC Direct Justice League of America Black Canary Action Figure
Yes, we already have Black Canary, the Alex Ross one in the classic costume, and she is marvelous. However, I do like Dinah's current costume. And I've quite liked the figures I've gotten from this series.
So how will we reconcile the presence of two Canaries? This time it's relatively easy, I think--the one in the modern costume is the current Canary, while the one in the classic outfit is her mom. That works, doesn't it? Or have they changed continuity yet again?
On the whole it's a good-looking figure. The jacket looks great, and that's a hard bit of costuming to do on an action figure so that impressed me. The fishnets are made of netting, which I guess is the standard for fishnets--the back seam looks like hell, but what are you going to do? The stance is heroic. The hair is gorgeous (I have two daughters, they notice hair a lot).
The face, however, is I think rather bland and unexpressive, which is disappointing. Dinah should have some character. She should not resemble a department-store mannequin. None of the other figures in this series have had that flaw, so I'm particularly annoyed. (Also, why does she have blonde eyebrows? Dinah isn't a natural blonde, she's got black hair, doesn't she?)
She's reasonably posable, given her costume. The long hair limits head movement. The arms do not turn out at the shoulders (although they do turn), as they usually do with this series, which I expect has something to do with the jacket. She bends at the knees, elbows and hips, and turns at the wrist but not the ankle.
Not a bad figure, although the face is a problem.
So how will we reconcile the presence of two Canaries? This time it's relatively easy, I think--the one in the modern costume is the current Canary, while the one in the classic outfit is her mom. That works, doesn't it? Or have they changed continuity yet again?
On the whole it's a good-looking figure. The jacket looks great, and that's a hard bit of costuming to do on an action figure so that impressed me. The fishnets are made of netting, which I guess is the standard for fishnets--the back seam looks like hell, but what are you going to do? The stance is heroic. The hair is gorgeous (I have two daughters, they notice hair a lot).
The face, however, is I think rather bland and unexpressive, which is disappointing. Dinah should have some character. She should not resemble a department-store mannequin. None of the other figures in this series have had that flaw, so I'm particularly annoyed. (Also, why does she have blonde eyebrows? Dinah isn't a natural blonde, she's got black hair, doesn't she?)
She's reasonably posable, given her costume. The long hair limits head movement. The arms do not turn out at the shoulders (although they do turn), as they usually do with this series, which I expect has something to do with the jacket. She bends at the knees, elbows and hips, and turns at the wrist but not the ankle.
Not a bad figure, although the face is a problem.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
DC Direct Justice League of America Vixen Action Figure
First, the good. The hair looks very cool. The costume seems to be pretty accurate to the character's current portrayal. Actually, she's not a bad looking figure. But I'll tell you what the ten-year-old said when she came out of the package:
Yep, it sure does. And it's not just the costume design (I'd recommend that Vixen hold onto this one if she ever decides to have kids, because it's a perfect design for breastfeeding moms who need quick access to those mammary glands). It's also that she appears to have no nipples, because the costume reveals those parts of the breast that ordinarily have them. They don't just look like fake breasts, they look like bad fake breasts. They're uneven (which may be realistic, but I'm pretty sure that realism was not a consideration when it comes to Vixen's upper torso).
Now for the playability. She has the usual jointing for a DC Direct Figure--elbows and knees, hips and shoulders (the shoulders turn out as well), and a good range of head movement. I particularly miss the wrist turns in this figure, because her hands are open, fingers spread in a claw-like manner, and it would be nice to be able to position them better. She sits well, and stands reasonably well.
I wanted this figure, and I'm glad to have it, but damn, those breasts are distracting!
"Her chest looks weird."
Yep, it sure does. And it's not just the costume design (I'd recommend that Vixen hold onto this one if she ever decides to have kids, because it's a perfect design for breastfeeding moms who need quick access to those mammary glands). It's also that she appears to have no nipples, because the costume reveals those parts of the breast that ordinarily have them. They don't just look like fake breasts, they look like bad fake breasts. They're uneven (which may be realistic, but I'm pretty sure that realism was not a consideration when it comes to Vixen's upper torso).
Now for the playability. She has the usual jointing for a DC Direct Figure--elbows and knees, hips and shoulders (the shoulders turn out as well), and a good range of head movement. I particularly miss the wrist turns in this figure, because her hands are open, fingers spread in a claw-like manner, and it would be nice to be able to position them better. She sits well, and stands reasonably well.
I wanted this figure, and I'm glad to have it, but damn, those breasts are distracting!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
DC Direct JSA Hourman Action Figure
You know, I think I'm just going to go ahead and get all of the current JSA team if I can. Because I'm going to end up wanting them anyway. They aren't the best of the lines but they're certainly not the worst.
Hourman looks good. The cape and hood are especially nicely done. He wears an hourglass around his neck, which doesn't look fabulous but we can live with it.
He's also reasonably playable, with the usual jointing for a DC Direct figure--knees and elbows, hips and shoulders. He lacks the occasionally-seen wrist and ankle turns. And he actually has a good range of head motion, which was a nice surprise. He unfortunately appears to have the same legs as Mr. Terrific, which means he's limited to the same rather awkward stance.
However, although I can see what could have been done better, I'm not displeased. If he were a favorite character, I might feel differently; however, the main reason I want him is to go with Liberty Belle whenever they put her out, so I'm good.
Hourman looks good. The cape and hood are especially nicely done. He wears an hourglass around his neck, which doesn't look fabulous but we can live with it.
He's also reasonably playable, with the usual jointing for a DC Direct figure--knees and elbows, hips and shoulders. He lacks the occasionally-seen wrist and ankle turns. And he actually has a good range of head motion, which was a nice surprise. He unfortunately appears to have the same legs as Mr. Terrific, which means he's limited to the same rather awkward stance.
However, although I can see what could have been done better, I'm not displeased. If he were a favorite character, I might feel differently; however, the main reason I want him is to go with Liberty Belle whenever they put her out, so I'm good.
Monday, January 05, 2009
DC Direct JSA Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure
And I continue with my JSA collection by adding Dr. Mid-Nite.
He's a decent-looking figure. He's more muscular than I'd have expected, but overly so. The costume looks great, particularly the cape. The only problem appearance-wise is that the loincloth hanging down in front curls up, which I'd expect if he'd been sitting for a while (it's soft plastic) but he hasn't been. The detailing is fine, even down to the little moons on the front buttons. I've been very pleased with the JSA line overall, in part because it's featured some characters you just don't see elsewhere, but in part because the quality is very good.
Because of the cape, he doesn't sit very well, but he's decently posable apart from that. He bends well at the hips, bends at elbow and knee, turns out at the shoulder, and turns at wrist and boot. The neck motion is limited but acceptable.
And he comes with an owl, which the kids think is just great. They plan to have him hang out with the Redwing (the Falcon's bird) once they locate him. In the mean time, we have been trying to attach it magnetically to Mid-Nite's arm, which it is supposed to do, but unfortunately it doesn't work very well.
He's a decent-looking figure. He's more muscular than I'd have expected, but overly so. The costume looks great, particularly the cape. The only problem appearance-wise is that the loincloth hanging down in front curls up, which I'd expect if he'd been sitting for a while (it's soft plastic) but he hasn't been. The detailing is fine, even down to the little moons on the front buttons. I've been very pleased with the JSA line overall, in part because it's featured some characters you just don't see elsewhere, but in part because the quality is very good.
Because of the cape, he doesn't sit very well, but he's decently posable apart from that. He bends well at the hips, bends at elbow and knee, turns out at the shoulder, and turns at wrist and boot. The neck motion is limited but acceptable.
And he comes with an owl, which the kids think is just great. They plan to have him hang out with the Redwing (the Falcon's bird) once they locate him. In the mean time, we have been trying to attach it magnetically to Mid-Nite's arm, which it is supposed to do, but unfortunately it doesn't work very well.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
DC Direct Justice League of America Red Arrow Action Figure
First of all, I've got to say I think Roy looked much better with longer hair, but since I doubt that would have translated as well to action figure form, I can live with it. :)
The figure looks good; the costume is accurate and well detailed, and the arms are reasonably muscular while the legs are comparatively slender, which is probably appropriate for an archer.
He's decently posable, bends at elbows, knees, shoulders (which also turn out) and hips. His head turns, as do his hands and feet.
He comes with a bow and a removable quiver, half of which holds permanently attached arrows while the other holds three loose ones (so if you plan to have him upside down, take out the loose arrows first).
Overall, I'm pleased with the figure and would recommend it.
The figure looks good; the costume is accurate and well detailed, and the arms are reasonably muscular while the legs are comparatively slender, which is probably appropriate for an archer.
He's decently posable, bends at elbows, knees, shoulders (which also turn out) and hips. His head turns, as do his hands and feet.
He comes with a bow and a removable quiver, half of which holds permanently attached arrows while the other holds three loose ones (so if you plan to have him upside down, take out the loose arrows first).
Overall, I'm pleased with the figure and would recommend it.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
DC Direct Justice League of America Black Lightning Action Figure
I was actually quite torn between getting this modern rendition of the character and getting the upcoming Perez-based version (with the deep v-neck), and I probably decided on this one primarily because it's already available.
I have been reasonably impressed with what I've seeno f this JLA series. There isn't a great deal of articulation, but what there is is nicely done (the joints that are supposed to bend actually bend, and more than 20 degrees!). He has the usual jointing--knees and elbows, shoulders and hips, the shoulders turn out as well and the neck turns. He can sit properly, which is important.
As for his appearance, well, on the whole it's pretty good. The costume looks fine for the most part. However, what you see in this picture is not what you get. The mask/goggles are quite different; they're also different from what's pictured on the box, in case you've got another figure from this series and are considering Black Lightning as well. In the picture you see a mask; on the box you see a mask with yellow transparent goggles. In reality, he's got opaque yellow goggles that are also convex, giving him something of an insectoid appearance, which isn't all that attractive.
If I'd paid more than what I did for this, I'd be disappointed. As it is, I'll just say that if he's a favorite character, you should try to have a look at the actual figure before purchasing.
I have been reasonably impressed with what I've seeno f this JLA series. There isn't a great deal of articulation, but what there is is nicely done (the joints that are supposed to bend actually bend, and more than 20 degrees!). He has the usual jointing--knees and elbows, shoulders and hips, the shoulders turn out as well and the neck turns. He can sit properly, which is important.
As for his appearance, well, on the whole it's pretty good. The costume looks fine for the most part. However, what you see in this picture is not what you get. The mask/goggles are quite different; they're also different from what's pictured on the box, in case you've got another figure from this series and are considering Black Lightning as well. In the picture you see a mask; on the box you see a mask with yellow transparent goggles. In reality, he's got opaque yellow goggles that are also convex, giving him something of an insectoid appearance, which isn't all that attractive.
If I'd paid more than what I did for this, I'd be disappointed. As it is, I'll just say that if he's a favorite character, you should try to have a look at the actual figure before purchasing.
Friday, January 02, 2009
DC Direct Green Lantern Star Sapphire Action Figure
This may be a figure that I shouldn't really like, recalling the controversy that surrounded this costume when it first appeared, but I do.
I'll admit that I don't know a lot about the history of Star Sapphire or what sort of character she's been in the past, but at present she seems to be part of a group concerned primarily with love and sex. In that sense it doesn't seem totally off that she'd choose a costume that reflected that. She has also, as far as I know, never been a punch-them-out kind of character, but rather a point-and-zapper, which means that the practicality of her outfit is probably less of an issue.
Also, her costume is one I would have found totally the coolest thing when I was sixteen. So there's that nostalgia thing there.
(I will grant that I had very little taste as a sixteen-year-old.)
Anyway, regardless of how one feels about the costume, the design is well executed. The detailing is excellent, and the figure looks like pictures I've seen of the character.
As for playability, it's surprisingly usable. No waist movement, of course, and the hair keeps the head from turning much, but the arms turn out and the knee and elbow joints are decent. She is also able to sit well, which is nice.
However!
She is not able to strike that famous cover pose. Just can't do it. And I tried. My Hal Jordan figure can pretty well replicate his part in the scene, but she can't. Ah, well, it reduces the entertainment value somewhat, but I'm still pleased overall.
I'll admit that I don't know a lot about the history of Star Sapphire or what sort of character she's been in the past, but at present she seems to be part of a group concerned primarily with love and sex. In that sense it doesn't seem totally off that she'd choose a costume that reflected that. She has also, as far as I know, never been a punch-them-out kind of character, but rather a point-and-zapper, which means that the practicality of her outfit is probably less of an issue.
Also, her costume is one I would have found totally the coolest thing when I was sixteen. So there's that nostalgia thing there.
(I will grant that I had very little taste as a sixteen-year-old.)
Anyway, regardless of how one feels about the costume, the design is well executed. The detailing is excellent, and the figure looks like pictures I've seen of the character.
As for playability, it's surprisingly usable. No waist movement, of course, and the hair keeps the head from turning much, but the arms turn out and the knee and elbow joints are decent. She is also able to sit well, which is nice.
However!
She is not able to strike that famous cover pose. Just can't do it. And I tried. My Hal Jordan figure can pretty well replicate his part in the scene, but she can't. Ah, well, it reduces the entertainment value somewhat, but I'm still pleased overall.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
DC Direct First Appearances Aquaman
Okay, I will admit it--I did not buy the series that this Aquaman came from. Wasn't even tempted. However, I've been wanting an Aquaman, and since there's no indication that DC Direct is going to put out the version I really like (long hair, beard, no shirt, hook for hand), I thought that this would make a reasonably badass variation.
He looks pretty good. I like the costume, and the shirt shimmers nicely. The eyes are a little odd looking, I assume there's a story behind it but I don't need to know it to appreciate the figure.
Functionally, he's not bad. He does suffer from that scourge of muscled action figures, the body-builder neck hump, albeit in a relatively mild form. The arms should turn out at the shoulder, but don't because they're blocked by his epaulets. However, he bends well at elbow, knee and hip, bends at the ankles and turns at the wrists. And he sits reasonably well.
He comes with a nice big sword in (apparently) a seashell scabbard.
He looks pretty good. I like the costume, and the shirt shimmers nicely. The eyes are a little odd looking, I assume there's a story behind it but I don't need to know it to appreciate the figure.
Functionally, he's not bad. He does suffer from that scourge of muscled action figures, the body-builder neck hump, albeit in a relatively mild form. The arms should turn out at the shoulder, but don't because they're blocked by his epaulets. However, he bends well at elbow, knee and hip, bends at the ankles and turns at the wrists. And he sits reasonably well.
He comes with a nice big sword in (apparently) a seashell scabbard.
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